Best Soccer Movies
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a rich history and culture that has inspired countless movies over the years. From inspiring tales of triumph and perseverance to dramatic stories of love and loss, soccer movies have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. This article will explore some of the best soccer movies ever made.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend It Like Beckham is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about a young British-Indian girl named Jess (Parminder Nagra) who dreams of playing soccer professionally. Despite the objections of her traditional parents, Jess joins a local women’s team and works hard to achieve her goals. The movie celebrates female empowerment and multiculturalism and features performances from Nagra, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
The Damned United (2009)
Directed by Tom Hooper, The Damned United is a biographical drama about the legendary English soccer coach Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) and his tumultuous tenure as manager of the Leeds United football club. The movie is a gripping portrayal of Clough’s charismatic and controversial personality and features strong performances from Sheen, Timothy Spall, and Colm Meaney.
Victory (1981)
Directed by John Huston, Victory (also known as Escape to Victory) is a classic sports drama about a group of Allied prisoners of war who are forced to play a soccer match against a German team in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The movie features an all-star cast including Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pele and is known for its thrilling and dramatic soccer sequences.
The Two Escobars (2010)
Directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, The Two Escobars is a documentary about the intertwined histories of soccer and drug trafficking in Colombia during the 1980s and 1990s. The movie explores the tragic stories of two men named Pablo Escobar (the infamous drug lord) and Andres Escobar (the beloved soccer player) and the ways in which their lives and legacies were intertwined. The Two Escobars is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that sheds light on the complex social and political issues surrounding soccer in many parts of the world.
Green Street Hooligans (2005)
Directed by Lexi Alexander, Green Street Hooligans is a gritty and intense drama about England’s violent and often brutal world of soccer hooliganism. The movie follows a young American student named Matt (Elijah Wood), who is drawn into the dangerous and adrenaline-fueled world of a West Ham United hooligan gang. While the movie is not for the faint of heart, it is a powerful and compelling exploration of the dark side of soccer fandom.
The Big Green (1995)
The Big Green is a lighthearted family movie directed by Holly Goldberg Sloan about a group of misfit kids who form a soccer team in a small Texas town. With the help of their new coach (Steve Guttenberg) and a talented British exchange student (Olivia d’Abo), the team works hard to overcome their differences and become champions. While The Big Green may not be the most critically acclaimed soccer movie, it is a fun and entertaining movie perfect for family viewing.
These are just a few of the best soccer movies ever made. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a good sports movie, these movies will inspire, entertain, and delight audiences of all ages and backgrounds.